Whether you’re a Tampa Bay area native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every TBAY resident understands to be true.

We asked our readers to share the Tampa Bay area's unwritten rules, from common Tampa + St. Pete knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won't find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from the Tampa Bay area, these might be a little difficult to explain.

Foodie tips

"West Tampa Sandwich Shop." — Ethan O.
"Rocca or you haven't lived." — Irene G.
"Real Cuban sandwiches have SWISS cheese. Not white American cheese. Don't let them fool you." — @cutney84
"Must have salad @columbiarestaurant." — @beachkowgirl1

Gasparilla tips

"Either lean all in or get outta town for Gasparilla 📿." — Amber C.
"Dress like a pirate for Gasparilla." — Jason K.
"If you don’t have a set place to go for Gasparilla months in advance, it’s gonna be rough for ya." — Billy G.

Imagine: Your boat in the Gasparilla Invasion. | Photo by Kiera Andrews

Creature comforts

"Don't bother the chickens in Ybor." — @tampaentertainment (Fun fact: This is sound advice. The chickens in Ybor City are protected by Tampa's Bird Sanctuary Law.)
"Must love dogs ♥️." — @the.mini.copper (WalletHub agrees.)
"🐊 = Swamp puppy 🐶." — @tampaentertainment

Sometimes you just have to laugh

"You must eat pizza from the pizza window in Ybor after clubbing." — R. Budz (This is a New York New York reference.)
"Make sure you tell everyone where you're originally from 🤌🏼." — Christina T-A.
"Lightning gonna strike ⚡." — Cindy B. (Not sure if you're talking about the weather or our hockey team, Cindy. Either way, you're right.)

TBAY locals love a trip to Amalie.
| Photo by TBAYtoday

Trouble on the roads

"When driving, don’t use your turn signal to let other drivers know you plan on turning." — @melaniegriesemer
"If you have a giant pick up truck that never actually hauls anything, you don’t have to use a blinker? 😇." — @patriicii.ai
"Forget how to use a turning signal." — Nicole C.
"Don’t drive on Bayshore, Manhattan, or parts of Dale after a good rain…" — Graham S.

TBAYtoday's pro tips

"When you're in Hyde Park Village, don't always grab coffee from Buddy Brew. Sorrento Sweets' java is just as good, if not better, in my opinion.There's a downtown St. Pete location too." — City Editor Patrick
"Many of our slew of museums actually have their own top notch cafes and eateries that offer incredible views — like the Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center or Cafe Clementine at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete. " — City Editor Bailey

City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa.